Given that Kieran McKenna is an exceptionally talented manager and that the Tractor Boys had players of Championship caliber in their roster prior to the opening of the summer transfer window, perhaps this should not be shocking.
However, given that they have already faced some challenging teams, it is a bit surprising that they have only managed to secure 18 of a possible 21 points this season.
They have also secured their entry into the fourth round of the Carabao Cup after overcoming Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek.
After overturning a 2-0 deficit to defeat Gary O’Neil’s team, McKenna’s team will be fired up for this John Smith’s Stadium match, and a win would allow them to keep their spot in the promotion hunt.
Huddersfield won’t be an easy opponent to face though, even after Neil Warnock’s departure.
Monday, they managed to secure a late draw away at Coventry City, which was a fantastic outcome for Darren Moore’s team, who are still getting used to life in the wake of the former Sheffield Wednesday manager.
But concentrating more on the guests, we examine the Tractor Boys’ absences in advance of tomorrow afternoon’s contest.
Christian Walton is still out of action with a foot injury, but he could return next week and that’s great news for McKenna considering how valuable the shot-stopper was last term.
Axel Tuanzebe also looks set to be absent for this game, with the Tractor Boys clearly keen not to rush the defender considering his injury record.
Nonetheless, Walton and the former Manchester United player might be available starting next week, which is a huge plus for a team that could use some additional depth.
Sam Morsy, meanwhile, is suspended for this clash after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season against Blackburn Rovers.
However, his suspension is only for one game, so he will be available for the Hull City match the following week.
The good news is that Leif Davis should be back in action for this game in West Yorkshire. Kayden Jackson also started in midweek and could be in contention for this game.
Vaclav Hladky will most likely continue to start in goal, with Harry Clarke, Luke Woolfenden, Cameron Burgess, and Leif Davis in front of him. If the latter isn’t fully fit, expect Brandon Williams to start.
In Morsy’s absence, Lee Evans or Jack Taylor could start alongside Massimo Luongo, but it remains to be seen who starts in the attacking midfield three behind the striker.
There are several possibilities: Marcus Harness, Omari Hutchinson, Jackson, Conor Chaplin, Nathan Broadhead, and Wes Burns. The latter will be particularly keen to start in his quest to develop at Portman Road.
Up top, both George Hirst and Freddie Ladapo have scored in the past week, which gives McKenna yet another selection headache.
Choosing that front four will be a difficult task, but that’s a good problem for the former Manchester United coach to have as he looks to guide his team to more wins in the coming weeks.
